Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Trouble with Templeton Take on US

It’s going to be a big couple of months for The Trouble with Templeton. Later this month Thomas Calder and his posse will release a five-track EP, featuring songs from his LP Bleeder, to American college radio.

Hopefully that release, which features the lead single “I Wrote A Novel” will build some real buzz ahead of the act’s American shows in September and October. While The Trouble with Templeton’s stateside, the band will play some industry showcases and write and record some new material. Those tracks, as well as the one’s they’re currently laying down in Australia, will form album number two.

Before they spread their wings The Trouble with Templeton will find time to play some local shows. Queenslanders can catch the band at Black Bear Lodge on July 11 and 12. They’ll also support Banjamin Francis Leftwich at Victoria’s Northcote Social Club on July 16 and Sydney’s The Vanguard on July 17. Then it’s back to Melbourne to support Father John Misty at The Corner on July 28.

Image used with permission from Tiny Monster

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sans Gras Get Under My Skin

I was pretty sure I wouldn’t write about Sans Gras as I listened to “Sun Come Up,” the opening track from their new EP Shed Your Woes. I admired its ambition and dynamism, but I was struggling to find something to hang on to. I appreciated the song on an intellectual level, but I just couldn’t connect with it. I really wanted to like it because it was so interesting and bold, but I didn’t.

I promise myself that I’d listen to the whole track before turning off the EP. But then a game of Angry Birds got intense, and I found myself listening to the next song “Left and Right.” It was soulful, and so much more cohesive than the first number. It didn’t take as many risks, but it was much more enjoyable to listen to. And so in spite of my initial assessment, I decided to try track three on for size. “Wildflower” sees the quirkiness that sets Sans Gras apart used to great effect. Again it’s more accessible than “Sun Come Up” and less daring, but it’s such good fun. It lost me a little in the middle, but that lacklustre bridge is sandwiched between brilliance.

Sans Gras are the sort of band that stretches out in many different directions. They’re so creative, and even the fans probably won’t like everything they produce. But that’s pretty cool. Greatness doesn’t come from playing it safe. Sans Gras aren’t there yet, but in just three tracks they’ve shown a special spark. Keep your ear to the ground, as Sans Gras will launch Shed Your Woes with an EP tour in the not too distant future.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hunting Grounds Tour, “Flaws” and All

With their new single “Flaws” enjoying plenty of radio love, Hunting Grounds figure the time is right to take their life show to the people. The Victorian indie rock act will play a string of gigs this August for what will be their first headline tour in more than two years.

The tour will celebrate the release of the single and Hunting Grounds’ new album In Hindsight, which hits stores on July 6. The album is already generating some major buzz. If you believe Hunting Grounds’ Facebook page (and you probably shouldn’t), even Oprah Winfrey’s a fan!

If you are too you can see Hunting Grounds at the following venues in August.

3 August 2012 – Elsewhere Bar, Gold Coast
4 August 2012 – X and Y Bar, Brisbane
5 August 2012 – The Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay (Free)
8 August 2012 – Plantation, Coffs Harbour (Free)
9 August 2012 – Yours and Owls, Wollongong
10 August 2012 – Good God Small Club, Sydney
11 August 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
16 August 2012 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury (Free)
17 August 2012 – Amplifier, Perth
18 August 2012 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
24 August 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
25 August 2012 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sophie Koh Tours Album Number 3

Sophie Koh wowed me with her most recent single “I Understand,” so I’m thrilled to see its album and accompanying tour aren’t too far away.

Oh My Garden, Sophie’s third record, will hit stores on July 6. It saw Sophie stepping away from her guitar and exploring new musical terrain through recording sessions with Brad Wood and Ben Lee in Los Angeles. The singles “Lo-Fi” and “I Understand” have been so strong that I expect big things from this release.

Sophie will celebrate Oh My Garden’s birth by playing some of her favourite venues over the next few months.

13 July 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
21 July 2012 – WheatSheaf Hotel, Adelaide
2 August 2012 – FBi Social, Sydney
12 August 2012 – Powerhouse, Brisbane
8 September 2012 – Alice Springs Festival, Alice Springs

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Set Sail Put Deportation Dramas Behind Them

It’s exciting times in the lives of Sydney indie-pop folksters Set Sail. The trio will release their new attention-getting EP Hey! tomorrow, and set off on a big 18-date tour a couple of weeks later.

Fans have waited patiently for Hey!, which showcases Set Sail’s first new material since their debut release The Riley Moore EP hit their hands in 2011. It features six quirky tracks including the energetic lead track “Charleston.”

The release hasn’t come without its challenges though. Earlier this year Set Sail lead singer Brandon Hoogenboom was forced to do some sailing of his own when he breached his visa conditions. A Facebook petition protesting his deportation went viral, attracting more than 8500 in just 24 hours. That support helped Brandon return to his adopted home and awaiting bandmates.

And now Set Sail’s back together and keen to unleash their new tunes on the public.

“We’re excited to bring the new material live,” said Josiah Willows. “It’s been an incredible journey this past year and we’re very keen to get out of the studio and back on the road!”

30 June 2012 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (18+)
5 July 2012 – Blackbear Lodge, Brisbane (18+)
6 July 2012 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba (18+)
7 July 2012 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore (18+)
12 July 2012 – Jive Bar, Adelaide (18+)
13 July 2012 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth (18+)
14 July 2012 – Melville Youth Centre, Melville (Under 18s)
14 July 2012 – Mojo’s, Fremantle (18+)
15 July 2012 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough (18+ – Free)
20 July 2012 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (18+ –  Free)
21 July 2012 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle (18+)
22 July 2012 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla (18+)
26 July 2012 – Royal Oak Hotel, Launceston (18+ – Free)
27 July 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart (18+)
2 August 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra (18+)
3 August 2012 – The Patch, Wollongong (18+)
4 August 2012 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
9 August 2012 – Toff In Town, Melbourne (18+)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Spicks & Specks’ Barry Morgan’s Debut Album in Stores

The finale of Spicks and Specks saw me shedding a few tears, but one of my favourite moments was the return of Barry Morgan. The retro throwback ended up being the quiz show’s surprise breakout star, so I’m thrilled to see he’s just released an album.

The Touch of You features Barry’s current single “Big Bossa” and other waltz, two-step, and rock and roll numbers all played with his distinctive style. I’m not sure whether the tunes will have quite the same charm without watching Barry in action. Surely we need a companion DVD! Until then, there’s this music video.

You can take a piece of Barry home today, as The Touch of You is in stores now.You can also catch him at the following shows around the country later this month.

22 June 2012 – Notes, Newtown, Sydney
30 June 2012 – Regal Ballroom, Northcote
5 July 2012 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Good Ship Announce Album Tour

A few months after they teased us with the lead single “Seven Seas,” The Good Ship are preparing to unleash their grandly titled second album O’ Exquisite Corpse.

The follow-up to 2010’s Avast! Wretched Sea features the dark beauty and debauched lyrics we’ve come to expect from Queensland’s pirate rockers.

The Good Ship will celebrate the album’s July release with an East Coast tour. Catch this quirky Aussie act at the following shows.

29 June 2012 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
6 July 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
14 July 2012 – The Zoo, Brisbane
3 August 2012 – Great Northern, Newcastle
4 August 2012 – Good God Small Club, Sydney
11 August 2012 – The Rails, Byron Bay (Free)
12 August 2012 – Nimbin Hotel, Nimbin (Free)

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Seed Hugo Race Tours Solo Debut

With his debut album No But It’s True in the can, Hugo Race is wasting no time bringing the songs to the people.

The debut solo album from the Bad Seeds founder will hit stores on June 10, mere days before the tour kicks off in Sydney. From there he’ll visit coastal towns, culminating in a final performance in Melbourne a few weeks later.

Fittingly Hugo Race will bring Leek & The War Wick Tragedy, the first band to join his new record label Rough Velvet Records, along for the ride. Make sure you arrive early to see a performance from this band Hugo has so much faith in.

15 June 2012 – Notes, Sydney
16 June 2012 – Yours and Owls, Wollongong
20 June 2012 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle (Free)
21 June 2012 – Port Macquarie Hotel, Port Macquarie (Free)
22 June 2012 – X & Y Bar, Brisbane
23 June 2012 – Bangalow Bowling Club, Bangalow
1 July 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne

Image used with permission from RAWR Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mrs Bishop Launch Dreamy Debut

England born Sweden raised brothers Mrs Bishop are now fully fledged Aussies preparing to unleash their first EP.

As you listen to their first single “Broken Wing” it’s not hard to believe these lads were once royal choristers at Windsor Castle. They’ve got such heavenly voices which come together in exquisite harmonies. The track’s very dreamlike, with a classical base and pop sensibilities.

If you’re digging how different these boys are, make sure you head out to show your support at the EP launch at Sydney’s GoodGod Small Club on June 9.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ned Collette & Wirewalker Launch Album Number “2”

With Ned Collette and Wirewalker’s sophomore release 2 now sitting on record store shelves, the band is preparing to bring its tracks to the people.

This album and its launch tour have been a long time coming for this band’s Aussie fans. Ned Collette packed his bags for Berlin more than two years ago, a move that provided the inspiration for the release. The album’s key themes include distance and starting again, forgotten homes and shifting cities.

Recording an album with Ned in Berlin and his bandmate Joe Talia back in Melbourne can’t have been easy, but somehow the band managed to do so. In fact, they only reconnected near the end of the process to put the finishing touches on the release! Having Ned based in Germany has given the disc a real international flavour though. Special guest vocalists including Germany’s Mirjam Smejkal and Sasch Gersak and Gemma Ray from the United Kingdom all make appearances.

The vocals aren’t perfect, but I find myself drawn to the album’s seventh track “Happy Heart.” It’s not exactly an upbeat number as the title suggests, but there’s something so compelling about the way it moves along. Take a listen!

If you like what you hear make sure you head out and see Ned Collette and Wirewalker back on home soil at their launch shows next month.

14 June 2012 – Blackbear Lodge, Brisbane
15 June 2012 – FBi Social, Sydney
16 June 2012 – The Metro, Adelaide
21 June 2012 – The Front Gallery, Canberra (Ned Collette solo)
23 June 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records